Missouri Woman's Conviction Overturned After 43 Years in Prison

A Missouri judge has overturned the conviction of Sandra Hemme, who spent 43 years in prison for a 1980 murder she allegedly confessed to while heavily sedated and shackled. Judge Ryan Horsman ruled that Hemme's trial counsel was ineffective and prosecutors failed to disclose exculpatory evidence, suggesting the crime was likely committed by a now-discredited police officer, Michael Holman, who tried to use the victim's credit card. Hemme's attorneys argued that her confession was coerced and inconsistent, and the Innocence Project noted her wrongful imprisonment is the longest known for a woman in U.S. history. The judge ordered Hemme's release within 30 days unless prosecutors decide to retry her. Her attorneys are continuing efforts to dismiss the charges and reunite her with her family.